April 23, 2013 Be Wise

Read Proverbs 23 Be Wise Proverbs 23: 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words…12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge…15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; 16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path…22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old…24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. WHY not speak to a fool? After all, doesn’t he need to hear the right way to live? Of course he does, but he’s labeled a fool because he won’t listen. He disdains helpful words designed to direct him to a good and safe life. So don’t bother. Speaking to him is a waste of time. Right now you’re probably thinking of a few people you know who seem to constantly ignore right advice. Their lives are often disrupted and in conflict. But they will not listen. But I want you to stop and consider your own response to good advice. Stop and think, do you “apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge”? Is your glad because your heart is wise? Do you rejoice when your lips speak what is right? Do you listen to advice from others to keep your heart on the wise path? Are your father and mother glad when they think of you? Do they delight in you? Oftentimes we’re quick to criticize people who “never listen”. Have a wise heart. Be sure you’re not a fool. It’s True! Listening is too often too easy not to do.